How do you choose a counsellor or therapist for your child?

When you choose a therapist for your child, it's important to find someone that you and your child trust and feel at ease with. This can take some time.

If you can, ask to talk to the therapist or counsellor before you choose. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you prepare for that talk or when you search online for details about the counsellor or therapist.

• Be clear about the reason why you are seeking help.
• Ask the therapist or counsellor about their experience with your child's issue and their training to address it.

  Ask how many children they have worked with on this type of issue.

• Ask the therapist to explain how they would evaluate and treat your child.

  Find out what treatment methods they use. Do they use treatment methods that are supported by science such as cognitive or behavioural therapy? You can also ask about their thoughts on medication.

• Ask how long each session might take and how often they will meet with your child.

  This will help you see how the sessions will fit into your child's life.

• Ask how often the therapist will meet with you to discuss your child's progress.

  And ask how much they'll share with you about what they discuss with your child.

• Ask any other questions that would make you more comfortable with the idea of having your child attend a session.

If your child goes to a therapist and it doesn't feel right to them, don't give up on the idea of counselling. Sometimes a different counsellor will fit your child's personality better. Try again with someone new.